St. Croix Schools Remain Closed Due to Odors Coming From Refinery

ST. CROIX, USVI — The three St. Croix schools that shut down in-person learning due to a gaseous odor from the Limetree Bay refinery will remain closed on May 7.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education released the following statement, "Out of an abundance of caution and to avoid instructional interruptions during the school day, Eulalie R. Rivera K-8, Arthur A. Richards K-8, and the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center will remain closed to in-person learning on May 7; students will attend classes virtually."

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A representative from Limetree Bay Refining, LLC acknowledged that the smell came from maintenance on the Coker unit, "which has resulted in light hydrocarbon odors." Limetree Bay also warned that the odor may continue as maintenance continues. The representative addd, "We apologize for any impact this may have caused the community."

The Limetree Bay facility is under investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

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